Container cargo shipping service between India and Sri Lanka in September

A new container shipping service connecting Karaikal in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) as well as Trincomalee in Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence in late August or early September 2026. IndSri Ferry Services Lanka Pvt.

Ltd. will act as the Sri Lankan agent for this shipping service, which is operated by Chennai-based Connect Maritime LLP.

The company states that this weekly service will provide Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) transportation facilities. The container vessel 'M/V Beypore Sultan', manufactured in 2023 with a capacity of 1,600 metric tons and a transport capability of 81 TEUs, will be used for these operations. This vessel will operate its voyages according to a seven-day rotation schedule through the Palk Strait.

According to the initial schedule, weekly voyages from Karaikal to Kankesanthurai will commence from September 1, 2026, with additional voyages planned until the end of December 2026 to ensure uninterrupted service. As per commercial terms, a transportation fee of USD 650 to 675 will be charged per container, and advance payment is mandatory. Container Freight Station (CFS) operations will be conducted via Pondicherry, and no demurrage charges will be levied for the first three days.

Prior to the official launch of this new shipping service, a special program was held in Jaffna to inform stakeholders, including importers, about the proposed service and its commercial arrangements. This new cargo transportation service will help strengthen trade relations between South India and Northern as well as Eastern Sri Lanka, creating a dedicated maritime supply chain for importers and exporters.